‘The Chosen’ Now Available in More Than 300 Prisons, Reaching Tens of Thousands Prisoners

The first-ever multi-season series about the life of Jesus, “The Chosen,” is about to reach even more people: those in prisons around the country. Through a collaborative effort, Prison Fellowship is making the life-changing series available to more than 300 prisons.

“The Chosen” has experienced success from the beginning. Fundraising goals for each season have not only been met—but surpassed—by individual and corporate sources.  And, the series is well on its way to being translated into hundreds of languages and promoted in vastly different cultures. The story of Jesus continues with Season 4, expected to release in 2024.

Critics from all walks of life have questioned the content, approach, and reach of the hit series. Creators have received accusations of misrepresenting Jesus and connections with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Director, Dallas Jenkins, has addressed how he deals with “toxic” and “untrue” criticism.

While the ever-popular series is free to stream directly from the new Chosen app and across mainstream services — including Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Peacock — streaming isn’t allowed in prisons.

According to prison chaplain Paul Neilsen, who commented on the news on Facebook, “In most prisons, there is no internet and we’re not allowed to stream. but we can show DVDs and the guys can have DVDs in the cell houses.”

And, that’s where Floodlight comes in. “Floodlight®, a closed-circuit video streaming service, was created and developed by Prison Fellowship in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained the ministry. “As a result of this partnership, prisons around the country are now able to stream or order a DVD copy of ‘The Chosen’ completely free of charge.”

Prison Fellowship Announces ‘The Chosen’ Will Be Shown in Prisons

“We are thrilled to announce a partnership with the Come and See Foundation to stream The Chosen—a multi-season series about the life and ministry of Jesus—into more than 300 prisons across the United States,” Prison Fellowship posted on Facebook.

Prison Fellowship’s President and CEO James Ackerman said, “This life-changing television series that has become a phenomenon around the world will soon be available to tens of thousands of incarcerated men and women on the Prison Fellowship Floodlight platform, thanks to the Come and See Foundation.”

“Our prayer is that it will impact the lives of those currently incarcerated by bringing healing and a deeper desire for Jesus!” mentioned Ackerman.

This post is receiving immense positive feedback around the country. “Awesome news!!” said Toni. “I support Prison Fellowship and am delighted that incarcerated individuals will have access to the Chosen. It’s a wonderful fit with everything the organization accomplishes in giving them important second chances!! ❤️”

Angela mentioned, “It’s already in the Texas prisons.” Sissy hopes the series will be available in California prisons as well.

And Frances shared how “The Chosen” is already having an impact on those in her local prison: “We are showing it at our local facility! Our ladies love it!” Frances continued, “They are asking questions & they said it brings the Bible to life!💕🙏”